ABOUT ME

Family, friends and community have always been at the center of Rodney Harris' life. His journey has guided him to become a dedicated family man, committed friend and a supportive neighbor to Miami Gardens' residents and business community. Born and raised in Miami-Dade County, Harris, moved his family to the City of Miami Gardens more than 25 years ago. Since then, he and his wife, Shebra, a retired public-school teacher, have successfully raised five children.

As a Senior Juvenile Probation Officer for the State of Florida, Harris has spent nearly all of his adult career in government. Harris is noted as one of the founders of the Department of Juvenile Justice's "Success Through Empowerment Program" (STEP). This mentoring program targets both at-risk youth and youth who have had contact with the criminal justice system. The STEP program was recognized by the Davis Prudential Award for Outstanding service to the State of Florida. In 2008, Harris was recognized by his colleagues for his tireless work becoming Employee of the Year, an honor bestowed upon by his employer, the Department of Juvenile Justice.

As demonstrated in his professional life, Harris' community life has also been focused on youth and others. For approximately six years, Harris served as a high school football coach at his alma mater, Miami Northwestern Senior High, during which the team was undefeated for two years in a row (2006 and 2007) and went on to win a national championship (2007). He helped organize a non- profit support group for students (Dreamers 2010) a scholarship program designed to help increase the chances of inner-city youth to obtain a college education.

Harris grew up in a loving two-parent household in Miami's inner cities. His parents instilled in him, and his siblings the importance of family, moral values, hard work, and a Christian faith. He and his siblings graduated from Miami Northwestern Senior high school. Harris went on to further his education on a football scholarship to Iowa State University where he earned a bachelor's degree in Hospitality and Institutional Management.

In November 2012, Harris was elected by his neighbors and the residents of the City of Miami Gardens to serve as Councilman for Seat 3. In August of 2016, Harris was re-elected for a second term. In 2018, he was appointed to Vice Mayor of the City of Miami Gardens. In November 2020, Harris became the City's third Mayor since its inception in 2003.

Harris is currently the co-chair of the Miami Gardens Community Redevelopment Area (CRA). He serves as President of the Miami-Dade County League of Cities (MDCLC). Executive Board Member of the Florida League of Cities, Board Member of the Transportation Planning Organization for Miami-Dade County, and Executive Board Member of the Beacon Council. 

Harris' love for his city and its residents motivates him to diligently pursue excellence in making the City of Miami Gardens a thriving, productive place to live, worship, work, and play.